A government order shifting guest lecturer salary responsibility to cluster universities has triggered concern among lecturers in Mandya
Karnataka guest lecturers have raised concerns over a government order transferring salary responsibility from the Department of Collegiate Education to cluster universities. About 300 lecturers are affected, with Mandya University facing salary-related financial pressure.
Mandya: Guest lecturers in Karnataka are facing uncertainty over their salaries after the state government issued an order transferring the responsibility of paying lecturers recruited earlier by the Department of Collegiate Education to Mandya, Drupathunga and Maharani Cluster Universities from the current academic year.
The order was issued after the counselling process had concluded, leading to dissatisfaction among guest lecturers. The lecturers have raised concerns about the financial capacity of the universities to take over their salary payments and the effect of the change on their existing service-related benefits.
Mandya University is already facing financial difficulties and is reportedly unwilling to take responsibility for the salaries of more than 160 guest lecturers. The situation has created uncertainty among lecturers who have been working in colleges for several years.
An estimated 300 guest lecturers are affected by the government order. They have demanded that the Higher Education Department continue to bear responsibility for their salaries.
Karnataka Guest Lecturers Raise Salary Concerns
The guest lecturers have alleged that transferring them under the jurisdiction of cluster universities could affect benefits they currently receive.
They have raised concerns over seniority, government salary provisions and retirement-related benefits. Women lecturers have also expressed concerns about losing leave benefits available under their existing arrangements.
The lecturers said the change in salary responsibility was introduced after the counselling process had already been completed, leaving them with uncertainty about their employment and payment arrangements for the current academic year.
They have demanded that the Higher Education Department immediately clarify the salary responsibility and continue funding their remuneration.
The lecturers have also warned of a statewide protest if the government does not address their demands.
Mandya University Faces Guest Lecturer Salary Burden
Mandya University is expected to bear responsibility for the salaries of more than 160 guest lecturers under the new arrangement.
However, the university is already facing financial constraints, according to the information provided by the lecturers. The proposed transfer of salary responsibility has therefore raised concerns about whether the university can make payments to all the affected guest lecturers.
The lecturers said the issue is not limited to salary payments but also concerns their existing employment-related benefits and service conditions.
They have asked the government to prevent the transfer from affecting lecturers who have already been working in the system.
Karnataka Guest Lecturer Protests Have Continued Since 2021
The latest dispute comes after several rounds of protests and administrative disputes involving guest lecturers across Karnataka over the past five years.
The issues raised during previous agitations have included job security, salary delays, recruitment rules, retention policies and changes in administrative arrangements.
July 2026: Guest Lecturers Barred Over PhD Verification
In July 2026, the Department of Collegiate and Technical Education barred 249 guest lecturers after university verification identified PhD certificates that were considered fake.
The action resulted in terminations in several regions, including Kalyana Karnataka, while colleges also faced concerns over faculty availability.
September-October 2025: Student Boycotts Over Guest Lecturer Vacancies
In September and October 2025, recruitment of guest lecturers faced delays following a Karnataka High Court direction requiring lecturers to meet University Grants Commission norms.
The situation left 21,000 posts vacant, according to the information provided. Students at government degree colleges subsequently launched a statewide class boycott over the shortage of teachers.
The government later restored previously engaged guest lecturers for the semester. During the same period, 316 Pre-University guest lecturers reportedly remained without salaries for five months before funds were released in late October.
March 2025: Karnatak University Guest Lecturers Protest
In March 2025, the Karnatak University Assistant and Guest Lecturers Association began an indefinite protest.
The lecturers demanded a 12-month retention policy and exemption from annual interviews for experienced staff. They also raised concerns about the university administration’s handling of their employment.
November 2023-January 2024: Guest Lecturers March to Bengaluru
Between November 2023 and January 2024, guest lecturers from more than 400 government colleges boycotted classes during a prolonged protest.
Hundreds of lecturers participated in a 70-kilometre foot march from Tumakuru to Freedom Park in Bengaluru. The agitation ended after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah intervened and offered an increase in honorarium.
August-September 2022: Karnatak University Guest Lecturer Strike
Guest lecturers at Karnatak University staged a 24-day strike in August and September 2022.
The lecturers threatened to gherao members of the university syndicate over unpaid wage increases.
The protest ended after the university agreed to measures including 12-month maternity and sick leave provisions and the issuance of formal work orders.
December 2021-January 2022: Guest Lecturer Class Boycott
In December 2021 and January 2022, thousands of guest lecturers boycotted classes across Karnataka.
The absence of guest lecturers affected subjects such as English, Commerce, and Economics. Permanent faculty members were required to take additional workloads to complete the academic syllabus.
Guest Lecturer Disputes Continue Over Job Security
The previous protests indicate recurring disputes over salary payments, employment continuity, recruitment conditions and administrative responsibility.
Guest lecturers have repeatedly sought measures that provide greater continuity in their employment and clarity over service conditions. At the same time, changes in recruitment rules and administrative arrangements have contributed to uncertainty for lecturers and colleges.
The latest government order has again raised concerns over who will be responsible for paying guest lecturers and protecting their existing service-related benefits.
The affected lecturers have asked the Higher Education Department to retain responsibility for their salaries. They have warned that failure to address the issue could lead to a statewide protest.
